Vongai Masuka

At least 59 people have been killed and hundreds of families displaced as torrential rains continue to batter Zimbabwe, according to the latest data from the Civil Protection Unit (CPU).

The Eighth Situation Report, which tracks the 2025/26 rainfall season through late December, paints a dark picture of destruction.

Beyond the loss of life, the heavy rains have damaged 33 schools, four health facilities, and destroyed and damaged 538 households.

The total cost of the damage to property and public infrastructure is currently estimated at US$107,402.

The fatalities are concentrated in three major provinces, where flash floods and lightning have proven most lethal. Manicaland has recorded 23 deaths, the highest in the country.

Mashonaland West has recorded 19 deaths and Midlands recorded 12 deaths. Masvingo Province was identified as the hardest hit in terms of schools, with seven facilities damaged.

Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, and the Midlands followed closely with six schools each, while five were affected in Matabeleland South.

The report highlighted two harrowing rescue operations in the southern parts of the country.

In Bulilima District, five family members spent five days marooned on a small island in the Tekwane River.

The family had attempted to cross the river in a scotch cart on December 21 but became trapped when the water levels surged, making the crossing impossible.

They were eventually rescued by council rangers after nearly a week in isolation.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has maintained a high-level advisory, warning that rains exceeding 50mm are expected to continue.